Australian troops in Afghanistan are hunting an Afghan soldier who shot and seriously wounded three of their colleagues at the Patrol Base Basir in Uruzgan province on Tuesday.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) identified the shooter as Mohammed Rozi from the northern province of Takhar. He escaped using an ANA jeep after firing an automatic weapon and grenade launcher from a tower on troops preparing for their evening meal. The jeep was found abandoned later.

Defence Force chief General David Hurley said an unmanned aerial vehicles is being used to hunt down the soldier, according to the Daily Liberal.

Australian troops want Rozi alive to know his motive for the shooting.

Afghan ambassador Nasir Andisha suspects that the attack was part of the Taliban and al Qaeda's tactic to "shake the resolve" of the ANA, which will take over the task of securing the country from foreign troops.

Meanwhile, the wounded Australian soldiers are being treated at a military hospital at the Kandahar Air Base.

Just 10 days ago, an Afghan soldier also shot and killed three Australian troops and wounded seven others. The shooter was killed by Australian and Afghan soldiers who returned fire.

In May, one Australian soldier was also killed by an Afghan soldier. American special forces then killed the Afghan soldier.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the incidents will not deter the Australian troops in Afghanistan from finishing their mission, which is to train ANA members so they can independently secure their nation. The mission's deadline is 2014.

A total 32 Australian troops have died while 209 were wounded in Afghanistan. Australians wanted the troops to return home.